Indian-American actor, screenwriter, and producer Mindy Kaling, among others, was presented with the 2021 National Humanities Medal by United States President Joe Biden at a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, 21 March.
The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the US government and honours exemplary individuals and organisations that have advanced the arts in America and offered inspiration to others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage.
It honours individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities and broadened citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects, the White House said.
The awards being bestowed, however, are for 2021, owing to a backlog due to the Covid pandemic.
Presenting the award to Kaling at the ceremony attended by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Second Gentlemen, Mr. Biden said that Mindy Kaling is the first woman of colour to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom.
He added that the 43-year-old actress empowers a new generation to tell their stories with irreverence and sincerity.
“The daughter of Indian immigrants — we know about that, right? Our Vice President is a daughter of Indian immigrants — a mother who was a great scientist," the U.S. President said.
“Above all, she is hardworking and an adoring mom, just like her own mom was. And, Mindy, we know your mom is always with you in your spirit. We know that,” Mr. Biden added.
"Imbued with humour and heart, Mindy Kaling’s work across television, film, and books inspires and delights—capturing and uplifting the experiences of women and girls across our Nation," the White House said, releasing the list of 2021 National Medal of Arts Recipients.
Val Kilmer delivered many iconic performances in Western cinema historyGetty Images 
Kilmer’s portrayal of the legendary gunslinger remains one of the most captivating performances in Western cinemaInstagram
Kilmer didn’t delivered a performance so eerily accurate that even The Doors’ band members were stunnedInstagram
From cocky rival to a poignant, full-circle moment in Maverick, Kilmer’s Iceman was the soul of Top Gun’s legacyInstagram
Brooding, intense, and often underrated—Kilmer’s take on the Caped Crusader balanced Bruce Wayne’s charm with Batman’s darknessInstagram
In one of cinema’s greatest heist films, Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis was a thief with depth, loyalty, and raw intensityInstagram
With razor-sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing, Kilmer’s Gay Perry stole scenes and redefined the buddy-cop dynamicInstagram
The Oscar-winning actress embraces motherhood once again as she expands her family with Cooke MaroneyGetty Images 
Lawrence and Maroney, parents to three-year-old son Cy, celebrate the arrival of their newest family memberGetty Images 
Jennifer Lawrence flaunting her baby bump at The Hollywood Reporter EventGetty Images 
